The collapse of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 holds significant historical importance as it marked the end of Christian Byzantine rule in the eastern Mediterranean and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. The fall of Constantinople, the empire's capital, symbolized a pivotal shift in power and culture, as the Ottomans expanded their influence across Europe and Asia. This transformation facilitated the spread of Islam and altered trade routes. The collapse also prompted the Renaissance in Western Europe, as scholars fled the city, bringing classical knowledge and manuscripts that sparked renewed interest in arts and sciences. This event essentially bridged the medieval and modern worlds.